Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has recently announced his bid for the 2024 presidential election, joining a crowded field of Republican contenders. However, Christie has also made a surprising statement that sets him apart from most of his rivals: he supports allowing children to undergo gender transition surgeries.

In a recent interview, Christie said that he believes parents should have the final say on whether their children can receive medical interventions to change their sex, such as hormone therapy or surgery. He argued that this is a matter of personal freedom and parental rights, and that the government should not interfere with such decisions.

Christie’s position is in stark contrast with the majority of the Republican Party, which has been pushing for legislation to ban or restrict gender transition procedures for minors in several states. Many conservatives view such treatments as harmful and irreversible, and argue that children are too young to make such life-altering choices. They also cite concerns about the safety and efficacy of such interventions, as well as the potential psychological and social consequences.

Christie, however, said that he respects the views of those who disagree with him, but that he does not think they have the right to impose their beliefs on others. He said that he has met with transgender individuals and their families, and that he has seen how much they suffer from discrimination and stigma. He also revealed that he has a personal connection to the issue, as he underwent weight-loss surgery in 2013 to improve his health and appearance.

“I know what it’s like to feel uncomfortable in your own body, and to want to change something about yourself,” Christie said. “I also know what it’s like to face criticism and judgment from people who don’t understand your situation. That’s why I think we should be compassionate and supportive of those who are going through this process, and let them decide what’s best for them.”

Chris Christie arguing against state laws banning puberty blockers and surgical treatments for minors dealing with gender dysphoria.

This will certainly go over well with the base.

Why is he running, again? pic.twitter.com/isbmgxJqzj

— Jeff Charles, Liberty Nerd🏴 (@jeffcharlesjr) June 18, 2023

Christie’s stance on child gender transition surgeries may appeal to some moderate or independent voters who value individual liberty and tolerance, but it may also alienate many conservative voters who see this as a moral and cultural issue. It remains to be seen how Christie will fare in the upcoming primaries and caucuses, and whether his position will help or hurt his chances of winning the Republican nomination.